Gum base

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to chewing gum comprising at least one biodegradable polymer and chewing gum ingredients, said chewing gum containing less than about 2.0 weight percent water of the chewing gum. According to the invention, a biodegradable chewing gum having low moisture has been provided in combination with an initial acceptable texture.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a chewing gum comprising at least onebiodegradable chewing gum polymer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A problem of the above described prior art biodegradable chewing gum isthat the chewing gum formulations applied typically degrades prior tothe chewing of the chewing gum.

It is the object of the invention to obtain a chewing gum in which thedegradation of the biodegradable polymer or polymers are minimized priorto the chewing of the chewing gum.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, it has been realized that even relativelysmall amounts of water in the chewing gum containing biodegradablepolymers affects the degradation of the chewing gum even before chewinghas occurred.

Therefore, a small amount of water or moisture within the chewing gum ishighly desired.

Moisture in chewing gum is typically provided by different watercontaining chewing gum ingredients such as sweeteners. One type ofsweetener is carbohydrate syrups, such as conventional corn syrups orsugar alcohol syrups (including sorbitol solutions and hydrogenatedstarch hydrolysate solutions) typically added to chewing gumcompositions to improve binding and softness characteristics in the gum.

A problem of a low moisture chewing gum is however generally, that alower water content results in a less attractive texture of the chewinggum Therefore, additional softeners typically needs to be added.

This is however a problem, when dealing with biodegradable chewing gumdue to the fact that chewing gum made on the basis of biodegradablepolymer has turned out to be more vulnerable to softeners than chewinggum made on the basis of conventional polymers.

Surprisingly, it has been realized that chewing gum made on the basis ofbiodegradable polymers, most probably due to the hydrophilic nature oftypical biodegradable polymers, exhibits a significantly faster gainingof softness during the initial chew compared to chewing gum made on thebasis of conventional hydrophobic polymers.

According to several experiments under different conditions, a chewinggum made on the basis of biodegradable polymers actually having aninitial stiffness (the very first chew) greater than conventionalchewing gum, actually increases in softness much faster thanconventional chewing gum, thereby reaching the initial acceptabletexture before the conventional chewing gum. It has moreover beenrealized that this phenomena is also present when almost no moisture ispresent in the chewing gum as from the beginning.

According to the invention, a biodegradable chewing gum having lowmoisture has been provided. According to the invention, low moisturecontent has been obtained in combination with an initial acceptabletexture.

In an embodiment of the invention the chewing gum contains less thanabout 2.0 weight percent water of the chewing gum

In an embodiment of the invention the chewing gum contains from about0.01 to about 2.0 weight percent water of the chewing gum.

According to an embodiment of the inventions, degradability tests haverevealed that an acceptable chewing gum product having a certainstability with respect to degradation may be obtained when applying formoisture content as high as approximately 1.0 weight percent of waterindicating that the water content may be as high as 2.0 weight percentwater of the chewing gum.

In an embodiment of the invention the chewing gum contains less than 1.0weight percent water of the chewing gum

In an embodiment of the invention the chewing gum contains less than0.75 weight percent water of the chewing gum

In an embodiment of the invention the chewing gum contains less than 0.2weight percent water of the chewing gum

In an embodiment of the invention the chewing gum is substantially freeof water containing sweeteners or softeners.

In an embodiment of the invention the chewing gum contains at least onelow hygroscopic softener or sweetener.

In an embodiment of the invention the chewing gum contains at least onelow hygroscopic softeners or chewing gum comprises powdered erythritol.

Aqueous syrups, such as corn syrup and hydrogenated corn syrup may beused, particularly if their moisture content is reduced. This canpreferably be done by coevaporating the aqueous syrup with aplasticizer, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, to a moisture contentof less than 10%. Preferred compositions include hydrogenated starchhydrolyzate solids and glycerin. Such syrups and their methods ofpreparation are discussed in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,671,967,incorporated herein by reference.

In an embodiment of the invention the at least one biodegradable polymeris a polyester polymer obtained by the polymerization of one or morecyclic esters by ring-opening and where at least one of the cyclicesters are selected from the groups of glycolides, lactides, lactones,cyclic carbonates or mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention the at least one biodegradable polymeris a polyester copolymer obtained by the polymerization of two or morecyclic esters by ring-opening and where at least one of the cyclicesters are selected from the groups of glycolides, lactides, lactones,cyclic carbonates or mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention the rheological properties of thedegradable polymer is controlled by adjusting the functional number ofinitiator.

In an embodiment of the invention the lactone monomers are chosen fromthe group of ε-caprolactone, δ-valerolactone, γ-butyrolactone, andβ-propiolactone. It also includes ε-caprolactones, δ-valerolactones,γ-butyrolactones, or β-propiolactones that have been substituted withone or more alkyl or aryl substituents at any non-carbonyl carbon atomsalong the ring, including compounds in which two substituents arecontained on the same carbon atom and mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention the carbonate monomer is selected fromthe group of trimethylene carbonate, 5-alkyl-1,3-dioxan-2-one,5,5-dialkyl-1,3-dioxan-2-one, or5-alkyl-5-alkyloxycarbonyl-1,3-dioxan-2-one, ethylene carbonate,3-ethyl-3-hydroxymethyl, propylene carbonate, trimethylolpropanemonocarbonate, 4,6dimethyl-1,3-propylene carbonate, 2,2-dimethyltrimethylene carbonate, and 1,3-dioxepan-2-one and mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention said chewing gum ingredients compriseflavoring agents.

In an embodiment of the invention said flavoring agents comprise naturaland synthetic flavourings in the form of natural vegetable components,essential oils, essences, extracts, powders, including acids and othersubstances capable of affecting the taste profile

In an embodiment of the invention said chewing gum comprises flavor inan amount of 0.01 to about 30 wt %, said percentage being based on thetotal weight of the chewing gum

In an embodiment of the invention said chewing gum comprises flavor inan amount of 0.2 to about 4 wt %, said percentage being based on thetotal weight of the chewing gum

In an embodiment of the invention said flavor comprises water solubleingredients.

In an embodiment of the invention said water soluble flavor comprisesacids.

According to the invention, a surprising initial release of acids hasbeen obtained.

In an embodiment of the invention said flavor comprising water insolubleingredients.

In an embodiment of the invention, said chewing gum ingredientscomprising sweeteners.

In an embodiment of the invention said sweetener comprises bulksweeteners

In an embodiment of the invention the chewing gum comprises bulksweeteners in an amount of about 5 to about 95% by weight of the chewinggum, more typically about 20 to about 80% by weight of the chewing gum.

In an embodiment of the invention the sweetener comprises high intensitysweeteners

In an embodiment of the invention the high intensity sweetenerscomprises sucralose, aspartame, salts of acesulfame, alitame, saccharinand its salts, cyclamic acid and its salts, glycyrrhizin,dihydrochalcones, thaumatin, monellin, sterioside, alone or incombination

In an embodiment of the invention wherein the chewing gum comprises highintensity sweeteners in an amount of about 0 to about 1% by weight ofthe chewing gum, more typically about 0.05 to about 0.5% by weight ofthe chewing gum.

In an embodiment of the invention, the chewing gum comprises at leastone softener.

In an embodiment of the invention, the at least one softener comprisestallow, hydrogenated tallow, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenatedvegetable oils, cocoa butter, glycerol monostearate, glyceroltriacetate, lecithin, mono-, di- and triglycerides, acetylatedmonoglycerides, fatty acids—such as stearic, palmitic, oleic andlinoleic acids mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention the chewing gum comprises softeners inan amount of about 0 to about 18% by weight of the chewing gum, moretypically about 0 to about 12 % by weight of the chewing gum.

In an embodiment of the invention, the chewing gum ingredients compriseactive ingredients.

In an embodiment of the invention, said active ingredients are selectedfrom the group of: Acetaminophen, Acetylsalicylsyre BuprenorphineBromhexin Celcoxib Codeine, Diphenhydramin, Diclofenac, Etoricoxib,Ibuprofen, Indometacin, Ketoprofen, Lumiracoxib, Morphine, Naproxen,Oxycodon, Parecoxib, Piroxicam, Pseudoefedrin, Rofecoxib, Tenoxicam,Tramadol, Valdecoxib, Calciumcarbonat, Magaldrate, Disulfiram,Bupropion, Nicotine, Azithromycin, Clarithromycin, Clotrimazole,Erythromycin, Tetracycline, Granisetron, Ondansetron, Prometazin,Tropisetron, Brompheniramine, Ceterizin, leco-Ceterizin, Chlorcyclizine,Chlorpheniramin, Chlorpheniramin, Difenhydramine, Doxylamine,Fenofenadin, Guaifenesin, Loratidin, des-Loratidin, Phenyltoloxamine,Promethazin, Pyridamine, Terfenadin, Troxerutin, Methyldopa,Methylphenidate, Benzalcon. Chloride, Benzeth. Chloride, Cetylpyrid.Chloride, Chlorhexidine, Ecabet-sodium, Haloperidol, Allopurinol,Colchinine, Theophylline, Propanolol, Prednisolone, Prednisone,Fluoride, Urea, Miconazole, Actot, Glibenclamide, Glipizide, Metformin,Miglitol, Repaglinide, Rosiglitazone, Apomorfin, Cialis, Sildenafil,Vardenafil, Diphenoxylate, Simethicone, Cimetidine, Famotidine,Ranitidine, Ratinidine, cetrizin, Loratadine, Aspirin, Benzocaine,Dextrometorphan, Ephedrine, Phenylpropanolamine, Pseudoephedrine,Cisapride, Domperidone, Metoclopramide, Acyclovir, Dioctylsulfosucc.,Phenolphtalein, Almotriptan, Eletriptan, Ergotamine, Migea, Naratriptan,Rizatriptan, Sumatriptan, Zolmitriptan, Aluminium salts, Calcium salts,Ferro salts, Silver salts, Zinc-salte, Amphotericin B, Chlorhexidine,Miconazole, Triamcinolonacetonid, Melatonine, Phenobarbitol, Caffeine,Benzodiazepiner, Hydroxyzine, Meprobamate, Phenothiazine, Buclizine,Brometazine, Cinnarizine, Cyclizine, Difenhydramine, Dimenhydrinate,Buflomedil, Amphetamine, Caffeine, Ephedrine, Orlistat, Phenylephedrine,Phenylpropanolamin, Pseudoephedrine, Sibutramin, Ketoconazole,Nitroglycerin, Nystatin, Progesterone, Testosterone, Vitamin B12,Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Pilocarpin,Aluminiumaminoacetat, Cimetidine, Esomeprazole, Famotidine,Lansoprazole, Magnesiumoxide, Nizatide and or Ratinidine or derivatesand mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the chewing gum is substantially freeof non-biodegradable polymers

In an embodiment of the invention the at least two ore more cyclicesters are selected from the groups of glycolides, lactides, lactones,cyclic carbonates or mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention the lactone monomers are chosen fromthe group of ε-caprolactone, δ-valerolactone, γ-butyrolactone, andβ-propiolactone. It also includes ε-caprolactones, δ-valerolactones,γ-butyrolactones, or β-propiolactones that have been substituted withone or more alkyl or aryl substituents at any non-carbonyl carbon atomsalong the ring, including compounds in which two substituents arecontained on the same carbon atom.

In an embodiment of the invention the carbonate monomer is selected fromthe group of trimethylene carbonate, 5-alkyl-1,3-dioxan-2-one,5,5-dialkyl-1,3-dioxan-2-one, or5-alkyl-5-alcyloxycarbonyl-1,3-dioxan-2-one, ethylene carbonate,3-ethyl-3-hydroxymethyl, propylene carbonate, trimethylolpropanemonocarbonate, 4,6dimethyl-1,3-propylene carbonate, 2,2-dimethyltrimethylene carbonate, and 1,3-dioxepan-2-one and mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention the cyclic ester polymers and theircopolymers resulting from the polymerization of cyclic ester monomersinclude, but are not limited to: poly (L-lactide); poly (D-lactide);poly (D, L-lactide); poly (mesolactide); poly (glycolide); poly(trimethylenecarbonate); poly (epsilon-caprolactone); poly (Llactide-co-D, L-lactide); poly (L-lactide-co-meso-lactide); poly(L-lactide co-glycolide); poly (L-lactide-co-trimethylenecarbonate);poly (L-lactide co-epsilon-caprolactone); poly (D,L-lactide-co-meso-lactide); poly (D, L lactide-co-glycolide); poly (D,L-lactide-co-trimethylenecarbonate); poly (D,L-lactide-co-epsilon-caprolactone); poly (meso-lactide-co glycolide);poly (meso-lactide-co-trimethylenecarbonate); poly (mesolactide-co-epsilon-caprolactone); poly(glycolide-cotrimethylenecarbonate); poly(glycolide-co-epsilon-caprolactone).

In an embodiment of the invention the chewing gum comprises filler.

A chewing gum base formulation may, if desired, include one or morefillers/texturisers including as examples, magnesium and calciumcarbonate, sodium sulphate, ground limestone, silicate compounds such asmagnesium and aluminium silicate, kaolin and clay, aluminium oxide,silicium oxide, talc, titanium oxide, mono-, di- and tri-calciumphosphates, cellulose polymers, such as wood, and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention the chewing gum comprises filler in anamount of about 0 to about 50% by weight of the chewing gum, moretypically about 10 to about 40% by weight of the chewing gum.

In an embodiment of the invention the chewing gum comprises at least onecoloring agent.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the chewing gum maycomprise color agents and whiteners such as FD&C-type dyes and lakes,fruit and vegetable extracts, titanium dioxide and combinations thereof.Further useful chewing gum base components include antioxidants, e.g.butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butyl hydroxyanisol (BHA), propylgallateand tocopherols, and preservatives.

In an embodiment of the invention the chewing gum is coated with anouter coating.

In an embodiment of the invention the outer coating is a hard coating.

In an embodiment of the invention the hard coating is a coating selectedfrom the group consisting of a sugar coating and a sugarless coating anda combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention the hard coating comprises 50 to 100%by weight of a polyol selected from the group consisting of sorbitol,maltitol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, lactitol and isomalt.

In an embodiment of the invention the outer coating is an edible filmcomprising at least one component selected from the group consisting ofan edible film-forming agent and a wax.

In an embodiment of the invention the film-forming agent is selectedfrom the group consisting of a cellulose derivative, a modified starch,a dextrin, gelatine, shellac, gum arabic, zein, a vegetable gum, asynthetic polymer and any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention the outer coating comprises at leastone additive component selected from the group consisting of a bindingagent, a moisture absorbing component, a film forming agent, adispersing agent, an antisticking component, a bulking agent, aflavouring agent, a colouring agent, a pharmaceutically or cosmeticallyactive component, a lipid component, a wax component, a sugar, an acidand an agent capable of accelerating the after-chewing degradation ofthe degradable polymer.

In an embodiment of the invention the outer coating is a soft coating.

In an embodiment of the invention the soft coating comprises a sugarfree coating agent.

In an embodiment of the invention the chewing gum comprises conventionalchewing gum polymers or resins.

In an embodiment of the invention the at least one biodegradable polymercomprises at least 5% of the chewing gum polymers.

In an embodiment of the invention all the biodegradable polymerscomprised in the chewing gum comprises at least 25%, preferably at least50% of the chewing gum polymers.

In an embodiment of the invention the biodegradable polymers comprisedin the chewing gum comprises at least 80%, preferably at least 90% ofthe chewing gum polymers.

In an embodiment of the invention the chewing gum comprises said atleast one biodegradable polyester copolymer forming a plasticizer of thechewing gum and at least one non-biodegradable conventional elastomer

According to the invention, a biodegradable polymer according to theinvention may form a substitute of a conventional natural or syntheticresin.

In an embodiment of the invention the chewing gum comprises

-   -   the at least one biodegradable polyester copolymer forming an        elastomer of the chewing gum and at least one non-biodegradable        conventional natural or synthetic resin.

According to the invention, a biodegradable polymer according to theinvention may form a substitute of a conventional low or high molecularweight elastomer.

In an embodiment of the invention said chewing gum comprises

-   -   at least one biodegradable elastomer in the amount of about 0.5        to about 70% wt of the chewing gum,    -   at least one biodegradable plasticizer in the amount of about        0.5 to about 70% wt of the chewing gum and    -   at least one chewing gum ingredient chosen from the groups of        softeners, sweeteners, flavoring agents, active ingredients and        fillers in the amount of about 2 to about 80% wt of the chewing        gum.

In an embodiment of the invention edible polyesters may be applied as adegradable chewing gum polymer.

Edible polyesters are obtained by esterification of at least one alcoholand one acid.

The edible polyester is produced by condensation polymerization reactionof at least one alcohol chosen from the group of trihydroxyl alcohol anddihydroxyl alcohol, and at least one acid chosen from the groupconsisting of dicarboxylic acid and tricarboxylic acid.

It is possible to use edible or food grade materials. Because thestarting acids and alcohols are food grade materials the resultantpolymers is edible.

Alcohols: Glycerol, propylene glycol, 1,3 butylene diol

Acids: Citric acid, fumaric acid, adipic acid, malic acid, succinicacid, suberic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid, glucaric acid,glutamic acid, glutaric, azelaic acid, tartaric acid

Edible polyesters can replace both elastomers and elastomer plasticizersand form 1-80% of the gum base.

THE DRAWING

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings ofwhich FIG. 1 and 2 illustrate the texture of chewing gum according tothe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the present context the terms environmentally or biologicallydegradable polymer compounds refers to chewing gum base componentswhich, after dumping the chewing gum, is capable of undergoing aphysical, chemical and/or biological degradation whereby the dumpedchewing gum waste becomes more readily removable from the site ofdumping or is eventually disintegrated to lumps or particles which areno longer recognisable as being chewing gum remnants. The degradation ordisintegration of such degradable polymers can be effected or induced byphysical factors such as temperature, light, moisture, by chemicalfactors such as hydrolysis caused by a change in pH or by the action ofenzymes capable of degrading the polymers. In other useful embodimentsall of the polymer components of the gum base are environmentallydegradable or biodegradable polymers.

Preferably, the ultimate degradation products are carbon dioxide,methane and water.

According to a preferred definition of biodegradability according to theinvention biodegradability is a property of certain organic moleculeswhereby, when exposed to the natural environment or placed within aliving organism, they react through an enzymatic or microbial process,often in combination with a pure chemical process such as hydrolysis, toform simpler compounds, and ultimately, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides,and water.

Accordingly, suitable examples of additional environmentally orbiologically degradable chewing gum base polymers which can be appliedin accordance with the gum base of the present invention includedegradable polyesters, polycarbonates, polyester amides, polypeptides,homopolymers of amino acids such as polylysine, and proteins includingderivatives hereof such as e.g. protein hydrolysates including a zeinhydrolysate. Particularly useful compounds of this type includepolyester polymers obtained by the polymerisation of one or more cyclicesters such as lactide, glycolide, trimethylene carbonate,δ-valerolactone, β-propiolactone and ε-caprolactone. Such degradablepolymers may be homopolymers or copolymers, including block-polymers.

Unless otherwise indicated, as used herein, the term “molecular weight”means number average molecular weight (Mn).

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of Resin

A resin sample was produced using a cylindrical glass, jacketed 10 Lpilot reactor equipped with glass stir shaft and Teflon stir blades andbottom outlet. Heating of the reactor contents was accomplished bycirculation of silicone oil, thermostated to 130° C., through the outerjacket. D,L-lactide (4.877 kg, 33.84 mol) was charged to the reactor andmelted by heating to 140° C. for 6 h. After the D,L-lactide wascompletely molten, the temperature was reduced to 130° C., and stannousoctoate (1.79 g, 4.42×10⁻³ mol), 1,2-propylene glycol (79.87 g, 1.050mol), and ε-caprolactone (290.76 g, 2.547 mol) were charged to thereactor. After the mixture became homogeneous, stirring was continuedfor 24 h at 130° C. At the end of this time, the bottom outlet wasopened, and molten polymer was allowed to drain into a Teflon-linedpaint can.

Characterization of the product indicated M_(n)=5,700 g/mol andM_(w)=7,100 g/mol (gel permeation chromatography with online MALLSdetector) and Tg=30.7° C. (DSC, heating rate 10° C./min).

EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of LMWE Elastomer

A LMWE sample was synthesized within a dry N₂ glove box, as follows.Into a 500 mL resin kettle equipped with overhead mechanical stirrer,0.40 g 1,2-propane diol (1.82 mL of a 22.0% (w/v) solution in MeCl₂),and 0.094 g Sn(Oct)₂ (2.2 mL of a 4.27% (w/v) solution of in MeCl₂) werecharged under dry N₂ gas purge. The MeCl₂ was allowed to evaporate underthe N₂ purge for 15 min. Then ε-caprolactone (170 g, 1.49 mol), TMC (76g, 0.74 mol), and δ-valerolactone (74 g, 0.74 mol) were added. The resinkettle was submerged in a 130° C. constant-temperature oil bath andstirred for 14 h. Subsequently the kettle was removed from the oil bathand allowed to cool to room temperature.

Characterization of the product indicated M_(n)=57,960 g/mol andM_(w)=85,910 g/mol (gel permeation chromatography with online MALLSdetector) and T_(g)=−59.8° C. (DSC, heating rate 10° C./min).

EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of HMWE

A HMWE sample was synthesized in a dry N₂ glove box, as follows. Into a500 mL resin kettle equipped with overhead mechanical stirrer wascharged 0.037 g Sn(Oct)₂ (2.4 ml of a 1.54% (w/v) solution in methylenechloride) under dry N₂ gas purge. The methylene chloride was allowed toevaporate under the N₂ purge for 15 min. Then, pentaerythritol (0.068 g,4.99×10⁻⁴ mol), ε-caprolactone (68.0 g, 0.596 mol), TMC (7.0 g, 0.069mol), and δ-valerolactone (33.0 g, 0.33 mol) were added. The resinkettle was then submerged in a 130° C. constant-temperature oil bath andstirred for about 2-2.5 h, at which time the mass solidified and couldno longer be stirred. The reacting mass was then maintained at 130° C.for an additional 11.5-12 h for a total reaction time of 14 h.Subsequently the kettle was removed from the oil bath and allowed tocool to room temperature.

Characterization of the product indicated M_(n)=113,900 g/mol andM_(w)=369,950 g/mol (gel permeation chromatography with online MALLSdetector).

EXAMPLE 4 Preparation of Gum Bases

All the gum bases are prepared with following basic formulation:Ingredients Percent by weight Elastomer HMWE 20 Elastomer LMWE 40 Resin40

The gum bases are prepared as follows:

HMWE elastomer is added to a mixing kettle provided with mixing meanslike e.g. horizontally placed Z-shaped arms. The kettle had beenpreheated for 15 minutes to a temperature of about 60-80° C. The rubberis broken into small pieces and softened with mechanical action on thekettle.

The resin is slowly added to the elastomer until the mixture becomeshomogeneous. The remaining resin is then added to the kettle and mixedfor 10-20 minutes. The LMWE elastomer is added and mixed for 20-40minutes until the whole mixture becomes homogeneous.

The mixture is then discharged into the pan and allowed to cool to roomtemperature from the discharged temperature of 60-80° C., or the gumbasemixture is used directly for chewing gum by adding all chewing gumcomponents in an appropriate order under continuous mixing.

EXAMPLE 5 Preparation of Chewing Gum

All chewing gum formulations are prepared with the following basicformulation Percent by weight Percent by weight (Mint formulation (Mintformulation Ingredients with maltitol syrup) without maltitol syrup) Gumbase 40 40 Sorbitol 48.6 51.6 Maltitol syrup 3 — Peppermint oil 1.5 5Menthol crystals 0.5 0.5 Strawberry — — Aspartame 0.2 0.2 Acesulfame 0.20.2 Xylitol 6 6 Approx. amount  1.5%  0.5% of water:

The water is primary added via the maltitol syrup, but alsocontributions from the bulk sweetener are present.

The chewing gum products are prepared as follows:

The gum base is added to a mixing kettle provided with mixing means likee.g. horizontally placed Z-shaped arms. The kettle had been preheatedfor 15 minutes to temperatures of about 60-80° C. Or the mixing step iscontinued directly from the gum base preparation i.e. in a one stepoperation. The mixing process is preformed at a temperatures between60-80° C.

One third portion of the sorbitol is added together with the gum baseand mixed for 1-2 minutes. Another one third portion of the sorbitol andlycasin are then added to the kettle and mixed for 2 minutes. Theremaining one third portion of sorbitol, peppermint and menthol areadded and mixed for 2 minutes. Then aspartame and acesulfame are addedto the kettle and mixed for 3 minutes. Xylitol is added and mixed for 3minutes. The resulting gum mixture is then discharged and e.g.transferred to a pan at temperature of 40-48° C. The gum is then rolledand scored into cores, sticks, balls, cubes, and nay other desiredshape, optionally followed by coating and polishing processes prior topackaging.

EXAMPLE 6-9

Rheological texture profile of conventional and biodegradable chewinggum containing flavor. Chewing Ex Gum base Polymer 1 Polymer 2 Polymer 3gum 6 Standard Butyl rubber PIB PVA Mint conventional Mn = 117.000 Mn =30.000 Mn = 5000 gum base 7 Gum base based Butyl rubber Elastomer PVAMint only on example Mn = 117.000 according to Mn = 5000 2 example 2 8Gum base based Butyl rubber Polyisobutylene Polymer Mint only on exampleMn = 117.000 Mn = 30.000 according to 1 example 1 9 Gum base based Butylrubber Elastomer Polymer Mint only on example Mn = 117.000 according toaccording to 1-2 example 2 example 1

Mint refers to the chewing gum formulation of example 5 with maltitolsyrup.

FIG. 1 illustrates Theological chewing profiles of the chewing gumcorresponding to example 6-9.The gum centres were chewed in a chewingmachine (CF Jansson). The chewing frequency was set to 1 Hz, a pH bufferwas used as saliva and the temperature was set at 37° C. The chewingtime was set to 15 sec, 30 sec, 60 sec and 120 sec. After chewing, thechewed cud was measured on a rheometer, type AR1000 from TA Instrumentsin a frequency scan. The results from these measurements can be seen onFIG. 1 and 2 wherein the storage modulus (G′) and tan (δ) versus chewingtime is depicted illustrating the texture changes during chewing.

From FIG. 1 it can be seen that the biodegradable chewing gums ex. 7-9are softening faster than the chewing gum ex. 6 being 100% conventionalseen as an increased slope in tan δ i.e. a faster development of viscousflow. The figure also illustrates that ex. 9 containing 80% ofbiodegradable polymer is softening faster that the two other chewinggums containing only 40% biodegradable polymer. This figure also statesthat textures of chewing gum containing biodegradable polymers arecomparable to the texture of a conventional chewing gum. In summery, themore biodegradable polymer in the chewing gum the faster it softens.

EXAMPLE 10-11

Rheological texture profile of conventional and biodegradable chewinggum with and without maltitol syrup in the formulation. Ex Gum basePolymer 1 Polymer 2 Polymer 3 Chewing gum 10 100% Elastomer ElastomerPolymer Mint biodegradable according to according to according to(without maltitol gum base example 3 example 2 example 1 syrup) 11 100%Elastomer Elastomer Polymer Mint biodegradable according to according toaccording to (with maltitol gum base example 3 example 2 example 1syrup)

Mint refers to the chewing gum formulation of example 5.

FIG. 2 show the effect on texture when leaving the maltitol syrup out ofthe formulation as ex. 10 being without maltitol syrup is having a lowertan δ i.e. a higher stiffness. The texture of ex. 10 approaches ex. 11fast reaching ex. 10 after approx. 20 seconds of chewing.

In summery, the loss of softness in the initial chew as seen in thechewing gum without maltitol syrup is fast compensated by the fastuptake of saliva in the chewing gum as a result of the hydrophilicnature of the biodegradable polymers used.

EXAMPLE 12 Hardness

The hardness of the two examples 10 and 11 were measured in order todetermine instant hardness i.e. a measure of the chewing resistance inthe first few chews in the chewing gums. The hardness of the testsamples were tested by an compression load test using a TA-XT2i TEXTUREanalyser from Stable Micro Systems with a 4 mm DIA CYLINDER STAINLESS ata speed of 0.4 mm/s using a test distance of 3.5 mm into the chewing gumbody.

The test result (N) of this experiment is shown in the below Table 1TABLE 1 Hardness of biodegradable chewing gum with and without maltitolsyrup- Example Hardness (N) S.D 10 49.29 1.46 11 33.27 0.69

As can be seen from the above Table 1, the chewing gum samplescontaining maltitol syrup are softer than the chewing gum without themaltitol syrup in accordance with the result in example 10-11.

EXAMPLE 13

Degradation of biodegradable chewing gum with and without maltitol syrupin the formulation.

A panel evaluated the two samples over a period of 4 months every onemonth. The following rating was used: TABLE 2 Rating Description 1 Verypoor 2 Poor 3 Acceptable 4 Good 5 Very good

TABLE 3 Evaluation of degradation Example 10 Example 11 Time TextureTaste Texture Taste 0 month 4 5 4 5 1 month 4 5 4 5 2 month 4 5 3 4 3month 4 4 3 3 4 month 4 4 1-2 2

Experiments by evaluating the texture and the taste as a function oftime have shown that the ex. 10—without maltitol syrup—has significantimproved taste and texture. Hence, it is thereby indicated that lowwater content in the chewing gum formulations improves the biodegradablechewing gum resulting in a prolonged shelf life.

The degradation rate according to example 11 is regarded as acceptablefor certain purposes.

1. Chewing gum comprising at least one biodegradable polymer and chewinggum ingredients, said chewing gum ingredients selected from the groupsconsisting of softeners, sweeteners, flavoring agents, activeingredients, fillers, and mixtures thereof; and said chewing gumcontaining less than about 2.0 weight percent water of the chewing gum.2. Chewing gum according to claim 1, wherein said chewing gum containingfrom about 0.01 to about 2.0 weight percent water of the chewing gum. 3.Chewing gum according to claim 1, wherein said chewing gum containingless than 1.0 weight percent water of the chewing gum
 4. Chewing gumaccording to claim 1, wherein said chewing gum containing less than 0.75weight percent water of the chewing gum
 5. Chewing gum according toclaim 1, wherein said chewing gum containing less than 0.2 weightpercent water of the chewing gum.
 6. Chewing gum according to claim 1,wherein the at least one biodegradable polymer is a polyester polymerobtained by the polymerization of one or more cyclic esters byring-opening and where at least one of the cyclic esters are selectedfrom the groups consisting of glycolides, lactides, lactones, cycliccarbonates and mixtures thereof.
 7. Chewing gum according to claim 1,wherein the at least one biodegradable polymer is a polyester copolymerobtained by the polymerization of two or more cyclic esters byring-opening and where at least one of the cyclic esters are selectedfrom the groups consisting of glycolides, lactides, lactones, cycliccarbonates and mixtures thereof.
 8. Chewing gum according to claim 1,wherein the rheological properties of the degradable polymer iscontrolled by adjusting the functional number of initiator.
 9. Chewinggum according to claim 7, wherein the lactone monomers are chosen fromthe group consisting of ε-caprolactone, δ-valerolactone,δ-butyrolactone, β-propiolactone, and mixtures thereof; and wherein thelactone monomers are optionally substituted with one or more alkyl oraryl substituents at any non-carbonyl carbon atoms along the ring,including compounds in which two substituents are contained on the samecarbon atom and mixtures thereof.
 10. Chewing gum according to claim 7,wherein the carbonate monomer is selected from the group consisting oftrimethylene carbonate, 5-alkyl-1,3-dioxan-2-one,5,5-dialkyl-1,3-dioxan-2-one, or5-alkyl-5-alkyloxycarbonyl-1,3-dioxan-2-one, ethylene carbonate,3-ethyl-3-hydroxymethyl, propylene carbonate, trimethylolpropanemonocarbonate, 4,6dimethyl-1,3-propylene carbonate, 2,2-dimethyltrimethylene carbonate, 1,3-dioxepan-2-one and mixtures thereof. 11.Chewing gum according to claim 1, wherein the chewing gum issubstantially free of water containing sweeteners or softeners. 12.Chewing gum according to claim 1, wherein the chewing gum comprises atleast one low hygroscopic softener or sweetener.
 13. Chewing gumaccording to claim 12, wherein the at least one low hygroscopicsofteners or chewing gum comprises powdered erythritol.
 14. Chewing gumaccording to claim 1, wherein said chewing gum ingredients compriseflavoring agents.
 15. Chewing gum according to claim 14, wherein saidflavoring agents comprises natural and synthetic flavorings in the formof natural vegetable components, essential oils, essences, extracts,powders, including acids or other substances capable of affecting thetaste profile
 16. Chewing gum according to claim 14, wherein saidchewing gum comprises flavoring agents in an amount of 0.01 to about 30wt %, said percentage being based on the total weight of the chewinggum.
 17. Chewing gum according to claim 14, wherein said chewing gumcomprises flavoring agents in an amount of 0.2 to about 4 wt %, saidpercentage being based on the total weight of the chewing gum. 18.Chewing gum according to claim 14, wherein said flavoring agentcomprises water soluble ingredients.
 19. Chewing gum according to claim18, wherein said water soluble flavoring agent comprises acids. 20.Chewing gum according to claim 14, wherein said flavoring agentcomprises water insoluble ingredients.
 21. Chewing gum according toclaim 1, wherein said chewing gum ingredients comprising sweeteners. 22.Chewing gum according to claim 21, wherein said sweetener comprises bulksweeteners.
 23. Chewing gum according to claim 22, wherein the chewinggum comprises bulk sweeteners in the amount of about 5 to about 95% byweight of the chewing gum.
 24. Chewing gum according to claim 21,wherein said sweetener comprises high intensity sweeteners.
 25. Chewinggum according to claim 24, wherein the high intensity sweetenerscomprises sucralose, aspartame, salts of acesulfame, alitame, saccharinand its salts, cyclamic acid and its salts, glycyrrhizin,dihydrochalcones, thaumatin, monellin, sterioside, alone or incombination.
 26. Chewing gum according to claim 24, wherein the chewinggum comprises high intensity sweeteners in an amount of about 0 to about1% by weight of the chewing gum.
 27. Chewing gum according to claim 1,wherein the chewing gum comprises at least one softener.
 28. Chewing gumaccording to claim 27, wherein the at least one softener comprisestallow, hydrogenated tallow, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenatedvegetable oils, cocoa butter, glycerol monostearate, glyceroltriacetate, lecithin, mono-, di- and triglycerides, acetylatedmonoglycerides, fatty acids, stearic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acidlinoleic acids, waxes, poly glycol esters or mixtures thereof. 29.Chewing gum according to claim 27, wherein the chewing gum comprisessofteners in the amount of about 0 to about 18% by weight of the chewinggum.
 30. Chewing gum according to claim 1, wherein said chewing gumingredients comprise active ingredients.
 31. Chewing gum according toclaim 30, said active ingredients selected from the group consisting of:Acetaminophen, Acetylsalicylic acid, Buprenorphine, Bromhexin, Celcoxib,Codeine, Diphenhydramin, Diclofenac, Etoricoxib, Ibuprofen, Indometacin,Ketoprofen, Lumiracoxib, Morphine, Naproxen, Oxycodon, Parecoxib,Piroxicam, Rofecoxib, Tenoxicam, Tramadol, Valdecoxib, Calciumcarbonat,Magaldrate, Disulfiram, Bupropion, Nicotine, Azithromycin,Clarithromycin, Clotrimazole, Erythromycin, Tetracycline, Granisetron,Ondansetron, Prometazin, Tropisetron, Brompheniramine, Ceterizin,leco-Ceterizin, Chlorcyclizine, Chlorpheniramin, Chlorpheniramin,Difenhydramine, Doxylamine, Fenofenadin, Guaifenesin, Loratidin,des-Loratidin, Phenyltoloxamine, Promethazin, Pyridamine, Terfenadin,Troxerutin, Methyldopa, Methylphenidate, Benzalcon. Chloride, Benzeth.Chloride, Cetylpyrid. Chloride, Chlorhexidine, Ecabet-sodium,Haloperidol, Allopurinol, Colchinine, Theophylline, Propanolol,Prednisolone, Prednisone, Fluoride, Urea, Miconazole, Actot,Glibenclamide, Glipizide, Metformin, Miglitol, Repaglinide,Rosiglitazone, Apomorfin, Cialis, Sildenafil, Vardenafil, Diphenoxylate,Simethicone, Cimetidine, Famotidine, Ranitidine, Ratinidine, cetrizin,Loratadine, Aspirin, Benzocaine, Dextrometorphan, Ephedrine,Phenylpropanolamine, Pseudoephedrine, Cisapride, Domperidone,Metoclopramide, Acyclovir, Dioctylsulfosucc., Phenolphtalein,Almotriptan, Eletriptan, Ergotamine, Migea, Naratriptan, Rizatriptan,Sumatriptan, Zolmitriptan, Aluminium salts, Calcium salts, Ferro salts,Silver salts, Zinc-salte, Amphotericin B, Chlorhexidine, Miconazole,Triamcinolonacetonid, Melatonine, Phenobarbitol, Caffeine,Benzodiazepiner, Hydroxyzine, Meprobamate, Phenothiazine, Buclizine,Brometazine, Cinnarizine, Cyclizine, Difenhydramine, Dimenhydrinate,Buflomedil, Amphetamine, Caffeine, Ephedrine, Orlistat, Phenylephedrine,Phenylpropanolamin, Pseudoephedrine, Sibutramin, Ketoconazole,Nitroglycerin, Nystatin, Progesterone, Testosterone, Vitamin B12,Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Pilocarpin,Aluminiumaminoacetat, Cimetidine, Esomeprazole, Famotidine,Lansoprazole, Magnesiumoxide, Nizatide and/or Ratinidine or derivatesand mixtures thereof.
 32. Chewing gum according to claim 1, wherein thechewing gum is substantially free of non-biodegradable polymers 33.Chewing gum according to claim 32, wherein the at least onebiodegradable polymer is a polyester polymer obtained by thepolymerization of at least two or more cyclic esters selected from thegroups consisting of glycolides, lactides, lactones, cyclic carbonatesand mixtures thereof.
 34. Chewing gum according to claim 33, whereinlactone monomers are chosen from the group consisting of ε-caprolactone,δ-valerolactone, γ-butyrolactone, β-propiolactone, and mixtures thereof;and wherein the lactone monomers are optionally substituted with one ormore alkyl or aryl substituents at any non-carbonyl carbon atoms alongthe ring, including compounds in which two substituents are contained onthe same carbon atom.
 35. Chewing gum according to claim 33, wherein thecarbonate monomer is selected from the group consisting of trimethylenecarbonate, 5-alkyl-1,3-dioxan-2-one, 5,5-dialkyl-1,3-dioxan-2-one, or5-alkyl-5-alkyloxycarbonyl-1,3-dioxan-2-one, ethylene carbonate,3-ethyl-3-hydroxymethyl, propylene carbonate, trimethylolpropanemonocarbonate, 4,6dimethyl-1,3-propylene carbonate, 2,2-dimethyltrimethylene carbonate, 1,3-dioxepan-2-one and mixtures thereof. 36.Chewing gum according to claim 6, wherein polyester polymers and theircopolymers resulting from the polymerization of cyclic ester monomersare selected from the group consisting of: poly (L-lactide); poly(D-lactide); poly (D, L-lactide); poly (mesolactide); poly (glycolide);poly (trimethylenecarbonate); poly (epsilon-caprolactone) poly(L-lactide-co-D, L-lactide); poly (L-lactide-co-meso-lactide); poly(L-lactide co-glycolide); poly (L-lactide-co-trimethylenecarbonate);poly (L-lactide co-epsilon-caprolactone); poly (D,L-lactide-co-meso-lactide); poly (D, L lactide-co-glycolide); poly (D,L-lactide-co-trimethylenecarbonate) poly (D,L-lactide-co-epsilon-caprolactone); poly (meso-lactide-co glycolide);poly (meso-lactide-co-trimethylenecarbonate); poly (mesolactide-co-epsilon-caprolactone); poly(glycolide-cotrimethylenecarbonate); poly(glycolide-co-epsilon-caprolactone); and mixtures thereof.
 37. Chewinggum according to claim 1, wherein the chewing gum comprises filler. 38.Chewing gum according to claim 37, wherein the chewing gum comprisesfiller in an amount of about 0 to about 50% by weight of the chewinggum.
 39. Chewing gum according to claim 1, wherein the chewing gumcomprises at least one coloring agent.
 40. Chewing gum according toclaim 1, wherein the chewing gum is coated with an outer coating. 41.Chewing gum according to claim 40, wherein the outer coating is a hardcoating.
 42. Chewing gum according to claim 41, wherein the hard coatingis a coating selected from the group consisting of a sugar coating and asugarless coating and a combination thereof.
 43. Chewing gum accordingto claim 41, wherein the hard coating comprises 50 to 100% by weight ofa polyol selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, maltitol,mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, lactitol and isomalt.
 44. Chewing gumaccording to claim 40, wherein the outer coating is an edible filmcomprising at least one component selected from the group consisting ofan edible film-forming agent and a wax.
 45. Chewing gum according toclaim 44, wherein the film-forming agent is selected from the groupconsisting of a cellulose derivative, a modified starch, a dextrin,gelatine, shellac, gum arabic, zein, a vegetable gum, a syntheticpolymer and any combination thereof.
 46. Chewing gum according to claim40, wherein the outer coating comprises at least one additive componentselected from the group consisting of a binding agent, a moistureabsorbing component, a film forming agent, a dispersing agent, anantisticking component, a bulking agent, a flavouring agent, a colouringagent, a pharmaceutically or cosmetically active component, a lipidcomponent, a wax component, a sugar, an acid and an agent capable ofaccelerating the after-chewing degradation of the degradable polymer.47. Chewing gum according to claim 40, wherein the outer coating is asoft coating.
 48. Chewing gum according to claim 47, wherein the softcoating comprises a sugar free coating agent.
 49. Chewing gum accordingto claim 1, wherein said chewing gum comprises conventional chewing gumpolymers or resins.
 50. Chewing gum according to claim 1, wherein the atleast one biodegradable polymer comprises at least 5% of the chewing gumpolymers.
 51. Chewing gum according to claim 1, wherein all thebiodegradable polymers comprised in the chewing gum comprises at least25% of the chewing gum polymers.
 52. Chewing gum according to claim 1,wherein all the biodegradable polymers comprised in the chewing gumcomprises at least 80% of the chewing gum polymers.
 53. Chewing gumaccording to claim 1, wherein said chewing gum comprises said at leastone biodegradable polyester copolymer forming a plasticizer of thechewing gum and at least one non-biodegradable conventional elastomer.54. Chewing gum according to claim 1, wherein said chewing gum comprisessaid at least one biodegradable polyester copolymer forming an elastomerof the chewing gum and at least one non-biodegradable conventionalnatural or synthetic resin.
 55. Chewing gum according to claim 1,wherein said chewing gum comprises at least one biodegradable elastomerin the amount of about 0.5 to about 70% wt of the chewing gum, at leastone biodegradable plasticizer in the amount of about 0.5 to about 70% wtof the chewing gum and at least one chewing gum ingredient chosen fromthe groups consisting of softeners, sweeteners, flavoring agents, activeingredients and fillers in the amount of about 2 to about 80% wt of thechewing gum.
 56. (canceled)